A 17-year-old high school graduate died while out rock climbing in Colorado soon after posting a selfie to his Instagram page.

Carter Christensen of Maple Grove, Minnesota died after falling from the First Flatiron on Sunday afternoon.

Boulder - County - Sheriff - Office - Christensen

The Boulder County Sheriff's Office said Christensen was free-soloing and climbing alone, without the use of ropes or any kind of climbing gear.

Although nobody witnessed the fall, hikers who were in the area heard the boy hit the ground and tried to help him.

Feet - Injuries - Ground

It's estimated he fell more than 100 feet and suffered 'massive traumatic injuries' when he hit the ground.

Rescuers discovered Christensen near the bottom of the First Flatiron, in Boulder's Chautauqua Park, where he was not breathing and without a pulse. He was declared dead at the scene.

Photo - Christensen - Instagram - Account - Place

The fateful photo Christensen posted to his Instagram account took place minutes before the fall, although investigators are not sure if the taking of the selfie was in any way related to the accident.

The sheriff's office said although he didn't have any climbing-specific equipment with him, he did have a small amount of camping and outdoor survival gear with him.

Image - Media - Vantage - Point - Top

He posted an image on social media depicting a vantage point near the top of the First...